Category Manager

IT Category Manager An established utilities provider is seeking a strategic and forward-thinking procurement professional to take ownership of its IT category. This role offers the opportunity to shape category strategy, deliver commercial value and support the evolution of IT services across a regulated environment. You will lead end-to-end category management activity, identifying opportunities to drive efficiency, manage commercial risk and enhance supplier performance. Working closely with stakeholders, you will provide market insight and commercial expertise to inform sourcing decisions and long-term planning. This is a key position within the procurement function, playing a central role in delivering value-driven, compliant and sustainable IT procurement solutions. Key Responsibilities • Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of procurement processes and best practices across the full commercial lifecycle • Build strong, trusted relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, with the ability to influence at a senior level • Deliver a high standard of service, ensuring clear, proactive and effective communication throughout all procurement activities • Drive continuous improvement in procurement operations to enhance efficiency and service delivery • Manage strategically significant IT spend, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and effective risk management • Develop and implement category and demand strategies by engaging with stakeholders to understand business requirements • Lead sourcing activities including tendering, supplier negotiations and contract awards, ensuring value for money and total cost optimisation • Identify and deliver cost-saving opportunities through standardisation, aggregation and reduction of fragmented spend • Ensure compliance with relevant procurement regulations, legal requirements and data protection standards • Embed health, safety and wellbeing considerations into sourcing strategies and supplier selection processes About You Essential • Ability to analyse and communicate complex commercial and contractual information to diverse audiences • Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities and workstreams • Proven negotiation, influencing and problem-solving capabilities • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills with a customer-focused approach • Self-motivated and resilient, with a proactive attitude towards personal development • Experience within IT procurement, category management or a related supply chain discipline • Exposure to strategic sourcing within a multi-stakeholder or cross-functional environment • Demonstrated ability to deliver against ambitious targets Desirable • Strong commercial and contractual acumen • Experience within a regulated procurement environment (e.g. utilities or public sector frameworks) • Relevant professional qualification such as CIPS or equivalent • Project management experience or formal certification Benefits • 27 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays • Pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions • Performance-related bonus • Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance • Enhanced family leave policies • Life assurance cover • Access to private medical insurance • Employee assistance programme and virtual GP services • Retail discounts • Electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes For further information, please call the Reed Southampton branch or Apply Now.